When I was in my school days, we would often hear about all these fights that used to occur in Taleigao, Santa Cruz and Merces and also inter gang wars. At times, these fights used to spill over in the colleges and on the play grounds also. Over flimsy reasons and pretexts like a college elections or loss of a cricket match, or a canteen brawl, etc etc. Later, there were a series of hard tough measures that were taken, one after the other. If my memory serves me right, it was first during the tenure of Ravi Naik who was the Home Minister then, when his Government clamped down heavily on all such types of criminal activities. It was on his instructions that many of the big names in crime and extortion circles were arrested and detained under tough criminal laws. One or two also under COFEPOSA. At times, this also became a joke, because of the high handedness of some of the police officers who tried to flaunt their authority. I can recollect once, when we were walking towards Miramar, about 6 to 7 of us, the Police came in a jeep and began questioning us. We were barely 13 to 15 years then. We were actually thrilled and had a good laugh that we were now part of some big gang. In his recent tenure, he was a huge let down but Ravi was no doubt a good Home Minister during his first tenure. That was the time when crime actually came down. Later, Manohar Parrikar and Babush Monserate (in Taleigao) did their bit to bring it down further to the point where reports on gang wars which were regular features earlier could be read only occasionally. Merces is now once again in the news and the incident that took place reminded me of those ugly old days. Have to note that yesterday’s incident at Merces is a huge dent to Goa, which is known for its peace, tranquillity and hospitality. Tourism is the backbone of Goa now and so many businesses thrive on this Industry here. In a civilised society, people do not move around with swords, koitas and knives and attack on flimsy reasons or minor altercations. If this has happened, it is because they have lost the fear in the Police and the Government. This is a blot on Goa and has become a National news now. Would expect the Manohar Parrikar Government to come down tough on this to send a strong signal and message. At the very least, we need some Official statement from the Home Ministry, which hasn’t come as yet, followed by a series of very tough measures. At the end of the day, the Government is responsible to instil confidence in the people, to make them feel secure, to protect and preserve law and order, to show the rest of India and the world that Goa is peaceful. Incidents like these cannot be taken lightly.
Sandeep Heble Panaji-Goa 9326129171
